I

Imcyse

Biotech & Life Sciences · Liège, Belgium · Founded 2011

Imcyse S.A. is a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company focused on developing a new class of active and specific immunotherapies for severe autoimmune diseases. The company was founded in 2010 as a spin-off from the Catholic University of Leuven (KU Leuven) in Belgium and is headquartered in Liège. The company's core technology platform, Imotopes™, is designed to halt the progression of autoimmune diseases by specifically targeting and eliminating the immune cells that cause the destruction of organs, without suppressing the patient's entire immune system. The Imotope™ platform is based on modified synthetic peptides that stimulate a specific type of T-cell, known as cytolytic CD4+ T-cells. These cells are engineered to identify and destroy the aberrant immune cells responsible for the autoimmune attack. This targeted approach aims to prevent further tissue damage, stop disease progression, and potentially provide a cure while leaving the patient's overall immune defenses intact. The technology is designed to induce a memory response, allowing for long-lasting effects with infrequent dosing. Imcyse's business model revolves around advancing its pipeline of drug candidates through clinical trials, both independently and through strategic partnerships with major pharmaceutical companies. A key collaboration is with Pfizer for the development and commercialization of an Imotope™ for Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA). Under this agreement, Imcyse received an upfront payment and is eligible for milestone payments and royalties, while Pfizer leads the clinical development and commercialization. The company has raised significant capital through multiple funding rounds to advance its clinical programs. Its Series B financing, led by Life Sciences Partners (LSP), raised €35 million, and a subsequent extension brought in an additional €21.3 million, with Pfizer participating as a new investor. The company's pipeline includes several programs targeting major autoimmune diseases. Its lead candidate, IMCY-0098, is an insulin-derived Imotope™ for the treatment of early-onset Type 1 Diabetes (T1D). This program is in a Phase 2 clinical trial (IMPACT study) across Europe, the United States, and Australia, with topline results expected in early 2024. The second clinical-stage candidate, IMCY-0141, is based on Myelin Oligodendrocyte Glycoprotein (MOG) and targets Relapsing-Remitting Multiple Sclerosis (RRMS). It is currently in a Phase 1/2 trial. Pre-clinical programs are also underway for conditions such as Neuromyelitis Optica Spectrum Disorder (NMOSD), Celiac Disease, and Rheumatoid Arthritis. Keywords: immunotherapy, autoimmune diseases, synthetic peptides, Imotopes, cytolytic CD4 T-cells, Type 1 Diabetes, Multiple Sclerosis, Rheumatoid Arthritis, clinical-stage biopharmaceutical, KU Leuven spin-off, specific immunotherapy, IMCY-0098, IMCY-0141, Neuromyelitis Optica, Celiac Disease, disease-modifying treatment, targeted therapy, Pfizer collaboration, biopharmaceutical, immunology, life sciences, peptide therapy, T-cell modulation, autoimmune therapy